Jade City

by Fonda Lee
Jade City cover
Good Books rating 4.5
Fantasy
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Paperback • £9.99
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  • ID: 4591
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9780356510484
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2017-11-07
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

Jade City is a gripping tale of honor, family, and power set in a vividly imagined fantasy world. The city of Janloon thrives on jade, a precious stone that enhances warriors' abilities, controlled by the ruthless No Peak and Mountain families. When a modern drug allows outsiders to wield jade, tensions explode into open conflict, threatening the very foundations of the families' power. The outcome of this clan war will determine the fate of everyone, from the grandest patriarchs to the lowliest street runners. The book has been praised for its astute worldbuilding and vivid action scenes, reminiscent of classic Hong Kong gangster films. Winner of the World Fantasy Award and shortlisted for numerous other accolades, Jade City is an epic drama that explores the complexities of loyalty, tradition, and change in a rapidly evolving world. The novel's richly detailed setting and compelling characters make it a standout in the fantasy genre, offering readers a thrilling and immersive experience.

Reviews
La Smith Writer · La Smith · 2025-10-21
positive 4.50

The Asian setting and the addition of jade imparting special abilities were particularly enjoyable. The story is rich with cultural depth and action.

La Smith had a great time reading this book and was particularly drawn to the Asian setting, which they felt was both authentic and immersive. The idea of jade granting special abilities added a unique twist to the story, making it stand out. They appreciated the detailed world-building and the way the characters were developed, noting that the action sequences were particularly well-executed.

Quick quotes

    The Asian setting was both authentic and immersive.

    The idea of jade granting special abilities added a unique twist.

goodreads.com · Unknown · 2025-10-21
excellent 4.50

Jade City is a gripping and immersive fantasy novel that masterfully blends political intrigue with family drama. The world-building is rich and the characters are complex, making it a standout in the genre.

Jade City is a fantastic blend of fantasy and political intrigue, set in a world where jade grants immense power. The story follows two warring families, the Kaul and the Mountain, as they navigate a complex web of alliances and betrayals. The world-building is incredibly detailed, and the characters are deeply flawed and compelling. The political maneuvering is reminiscent of The Godfather, but with a unique fantasy twist. The action sequences are thrilling, and the stakes are high, making it a page-turner. The only downside is that the pacing can be slow at times, but the payoff is worth it. The themes of honor, loyalty, and power are explored in depth, making it a thought-provoking read. Overall, it's a must-read for fans of fantasy and political drama.

Quick quotes

    The world-building is rich and immersive, drawing readers in from the first page.

    The characters are complex and deeply flawed, making them feel real and relatable.

    The political intrigue is reminiscent of The Godfather, but with a unique fantasy twist.

cannonballread.com · Unknown · 2025-10-21
insightful 4.50

The reviewer praises Robert A. Caro's meticulous approach to biographical writing, highlighting his persistence and attention to detail. They appreciate the insights into Caro's process and the value of his work in understanding political power.

Robert A. Caro is renowned for his comprehensive and detailed biographies, particularly his works on Robert Moses and Lyndon B. Johnson. In 'Working: Researching, Interviewing, Writing,' Caro shares his approach to biographical writing, emphasizing the importance of thorough research and persistence. The reviewer highlights Caro's detective-like methods, such as tracking down interviewees and uncovering hidden documents, which have led to groundbreaking revelations. Caro's meticulousness extends to his writing process, where he drafts by hand and adheres to a detailed outline. The reviewer appreciates the insights into Caro's process and the value of his work in understanding political power. They also note Caro's old-school methods and the importance of adhering to what works for individual writers. Overall, the reviewer finds 'Working' to be a gem for those who appreciate fact-based narrative writing.

Quick quotes

    Caro is a writer who counts as royalty among biographers and is, perhaps, the king.

    His books are comprehensive — embodying rich detail and sometimes quotidian accounts — and famously years in the making.

    Caro’s meticulousness is seen in his writing process, too. He pens initial drafts by hand and then types them on his Smith Corona Electra 210 typewriter.

lukeharkness.com · Unknown · 2021-05-18
insightful 4.50

The book delves into the meticulous research and writing process of renowned historian Robert Caro, offering insights into his rigorous methods and dedication to capturing the essence of power through his biographies of Robert Moses and Lyndon Johnson. Caro's approach involves extensive interviews, detailed note-taking, and a deep understanding of his subjects, revealing the intricate details that bring his narratives to life.

Robert Caro's 'Working' provides a fascinating glimpse into the life and methods of one of America's most celebrated historians. Known for his exhaustive biographies of Robert Moses and Lyndon Johnson, Caro's work is characterized by an unparalleled commitment to research and a keen eye for detail. His process involves spending years in libraries, conducting numerous interviews, and meticulously documenting every aspect of his subjects' lives. For instance, Caro's discovery of Johnson's self-critical nature during campaign drives and his understanding of Johnson's inspirational moments in Washington are testament to his rigorous approach. Caro's belief in the importance of literary techniques in historical writing is evident in his work, making 'Working' a valuable read for anyone interested in the craft of writing and the study of power.

Quick quotes

    Caro’s consistent theme, though, has been the acquisition and use of power.

    He settled on the subject as a young reporter, working on Newsday, a paper on Long Island, and has stuck with it over more than five decades.

    Caro’s works, which have won every major literary prize going in America, have been about just two men.

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